Lynn Kurland, Star of the Morning

Star of the Morning

Lynn Kurland

Berkley, December 2006, $14.00

ISBN: 0425212122

Ever since the last battle with Lothar the evil black mage, spells by the archmage Miach and the two magical swords keep the Kingdom of Nieroche safe for now. However, Miach's brother King Adhemar panics when he realizes his tie to the magic, especially one of the swords, has abruptly ended as if a spell occurred to sever this link. Miach worries that a new war with Lothar is coming with the kingdom in peril. The royal siblings seek out someone who can use the Sword of Angesand, as they know the only way to prevent Lothar from overwhelming Nieroche is with the two magical swords.

Lord Nicholas sends his trained mercenary Morgan to deliver a dagger to the king. To their royal surprise the king and the archmage may have found the Sword of Angesand wielder, but the mercenary warrior is a she, who rejects magic, as skill and training is the way of combat for Morgan. Still, she is the one, as Miach and Glides, one of her traveling companions, are falling in love with the female warrior, but first they must save the kingdom.

STAR OF THE MORNING is a terrific opening return to the Nine Kingdoms, as Lynn Kurland provides fantasy readers with a delightful quest tale starring likable heroes. Morgan is fascinating as the focus of the storyline (and the men in her life) because she is so guileless yet strong, brave and feisty. Her courage makes for a magical beginning, to what looks like will be a superb romantic fantasy trilogy.